Samples

When ordering custom notebooks, understanding the cost and process of creating a sample is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of why notebook samples cost £250/$250 and the benefits of investing in a sample.

What is a Notebook Sample?

A notebook sample is a prototype of your custom-designed notebook. It allows you to see and feel the actual product before committing to a full production run. This ensures that all elements, from design and materials to print quality, meet your expectations.

Why Do Samples Cost £250/$250?

The cost of producing a single custom notebook sample is significantly higher than the unit cost of a larger order. Here’s why:

1. Tooling and Setup Costs:

    • Die Stamps: For custom elements like debossing or foiling, we need to create die stamps. These are specific tools that imprint your design onto the notebooks and adds to the initial cost.
    • Factory Setup: Each sample goes through the same production process as a full order. This involves multiple stages, including printing, binding, and assembly. Setting up machines and workflows for a single unit is time-consuming and resource-intensive.

2. Labor and Production Time:

    • Producing a sample requires coordination across different teams, such as design, printing, binding, and quality control. Each team needs to handle the sample with the same care and attention as they would for a full production run.
    • The detailed setup for printing, binding, and adding custom features is complex and labor-intensive, contributing to the overall cost.

3. Material Costs:

    • The materials used in a sample are the same as those used in full production. This includes premium paper stocks, custom covers, and any additional features you’ve selected.

Digital vs. Offset Printing for Samples

  • Digital Printing: For initial samples, we often use digital printing. This method is faster and more cost-effective for low quantities. It allows you to see a high-quality representation of your design quickly.
  • Offset Printing: If requested, we can use offset printing for samples. This traditional method offers the highest print quality and is typically used for the final production run. Offset printing may increase the cost and time required for the sample but provides a true representation of the final product.

Turnaround Time:

Creating a sample take up to 3 weeks due to the detailed processes involved. However, we can speed up the process when required and turn around samples within a week. When ordering sample please talk to your account manager about this and specify any requirements or deadlines.

Summary

Investing in a notebook sample is a valuable step in the custom notebook production process. It ensures that your design and material choices meet your expectations and provides a tangible product to showcase to stakeholders or test in the market. While the cost may seem high, the benefits of having a precise and high-quality prototype outweigh the initial investment.

 

For more detailed information on our sampling process and to see how we can help bring your custom notebook ideas to life, visit our website Bookblock.